[*Note: Just ONE more letter after this one and she'll be home—FRIDAY, December 16th @9:56PM. Homecoming talk in Sacrament Meeting, @Highland 4th Ward LDS Avonmore Chapel, 5848 West 11000 North, Highland, Utah, on SUNDAY, December 18th @1:00pm. Please feel free to munch & mingle with her at our house afterwards.]
Dear Aiga,
Guess what! I think I've FINALLY found my comfort zone in Missionary Work..... haaaa!
There's no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone.
TRUTH.
Aiga (aka: Samoan for "family"), there's literally 11 days until I leave. And it's weird. Ha. And pretty much everyone in the ward knows now. I bore my testimony yesterday in church. I was the last to get up, so as a result, Bishop got up before me to say I'd be the last to bear my testimony for the meeting... and that it was my LAST testimony meeting. And then afterwards and throughout the day everyone started coming up to me asking, "Wait, you're leaving? What DAY do you leave?" Even the kids that I didn't think really paid attention to us. Hahahaha.
It's weird.
BUT! It's been a GREAT week. Ending in the BEAUTIFUL BAPTISM of our dearest Jasmine :)
MONDAY: All the partying with the Johnstone Sisters. :) Love it.
TUESDAY: We had a brilliant lesson with our dear Skye and John, her partner, and MANY others throughout the day. It was my first MIRACLE DAY on the mission of literally just going from appointment to appointment, TEACHING, TEACHING, TEACHING! ...Even though they weren't all investigators, it was a brilliant and exciting day of just sharing testimony and things we've learnt in order to help our brothers and sisters (and, of course, to be strengthened ourselves). Skye—the brilliant one—even helped us IMPROVE our object lesson as we shared it with her. Hahahaha. And this is why she should be a member. ;)
WEDNESDAY: New investigator! His name is Cody. And he's great. We're excited to keep teaching him :) We met him a while back, and then he went and referred himself online!
THURSDAY: Zone "Training" aka: Service! We made meals. It was actually really exciting. A bunch of missionaries cooking together is pretty hilarious though. Mostly because it became super stereotypical of the elders all around the grill, making the meat, and the sisters together all baking the brownies and cookies for dessert. And then the potato salad and veggies were a combined effort. Loved it.
FRIDAY: A last lesson with Jasmine before her big day :) Love her. Love her mum too. Just love everything. Allllll the Aroha, Alofa, and Ofa [Love]!
SATURDAY: Baptism day :) Ha. And a day of runnning around like chickens with our heads cut off. We LITERALLY ran from the chapel (where we were finishing up the last touches on the baptism programme) to Jasmine's house, to make sure she and CJ were on their way, and then ran back to the chapel, to finish, and copy the programme, and to make sure the water in the font was turned off..... Hahahaha. All the excitement!! Everything with the baptism went smoothly though. Jasmine was so excited to be with friends for her baptism, and to be in the flash new white dress her mum found for her :)
SUNDAY: Confirmation :) Jasmine. The cute little thing. She was suddenly scared before, so I walked her up to the stand to be confirmed, and she was all good. All the happy, all the bouncy and excited after receiving the Holy Ghost :) A brand new member!
And TODAY. Today is Zone P-day. 'Cause.... both Elder Ruth and I leave next week. Crazy. Sauce. What are we doing? Playing BUBBLE SOCCER. Haaa... Should be an adventure :) I'm actually kind of excited. I'm sure there will be pictures.
I can't believe it's been as long as it has. A year and a half of my life has never gone so fast!
I've never been so happy, and I've also never been so sad.
I've never seen so many miracles, and I've also never been given so many examples of WHY we have to CONSTANTLY work to keep our faith and our Saviour a PART of our lives.
I also never realised how much you can learn, without truly realising it. Little by little, that's what it's all about. Basically.... I don't want it to end.
And I know it won't. I know it's just a new beginning. It's just... weird. Everything is werid lately. Ha. And I'm pretty sure my dear Sister Tauiliili just laughs at everything I say now as I freak out at the idea of leaving this home.
The gospel is TRUE, my friends. It always has been, and it always will be. It helps us in learning new things each and every day, and it always WILL.... IF YOU LET IT.
I hope you all have a beautiful week—lighting the world everywhere you go! Because, that's really what should be our goal in life—to be that example, help, serve, and love everyone in our path. #LighttheWorld
https://www.mormon.org.nz/
....LOL. I just realised the link goes to "NZ" here. Haaaa. Obvi you can just go to the normal one back home.
Okay. I must be off now. But I love you heaps. And I hope you have a brilliant week :) You're the best of best. Talk to you next week — and SEE YOU after that!!!! :D
Alofa tele atu!!!!
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Time Flies!
Whanau! I miss you all dearly. Time will never cease to amaze me though with how quickly it goes by. Anyhoo. You hear enough of that from me every week though. Haha.
THIS WEEK. Sick moments (#LactoseProbs), miracle moments, and lots of NEWS moments!!
MONDAY. Bowling again! This might become a thing. We like it. Haha. Not every week, but it's fun with the district. We were also finally able to meet another of our referrals—James. From Zimbabwe, and he's SUPER cool. We're going back soon to meet the fam — they have their own religion currently, but he seemed intrigued by a few different things we shared with him, including the fact that we have older couple missionaries who go out and serve in different countries! Service in any way really does soften hearts of people.
And. Reasons I print out emails. 'Cause, Mum - I was looking back on a couple and found, again, a quote you sent a few weeks back that said, "Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there." —Elder Holland. And..... I needed that Monday night :)
TUESDAY! My sickly companion. Sad face. In our RUSH around that afternoon after District meeting, she accidentally ate dairy....for lunch.....and we forgot to give her a tablet. So...her poor body became ill rather quickly. So we stayed in the flat. But, we got some other things done, and we were at least able to talk to quite a few people on the streets before that point - so it was good.
WEDNESDAY. In the afternoon, we were able to go visit with Linda, helping her pack away and get rid of a few things in the house to get ready for her move.
So that was good. (And by "get rid of" I mean - she donated quite a few things to us/other missionaries/the church. Haha. She's great.) And then: KAUKAPAKAPA. The WEST side of our area in Hibiscus. First time we've been out there—and it was all nostalgic for me. It was like BEING BACK UP NORTH. Long dirt roads, gorgeous rolling green hills, lots of cattle, sheep and farms..... allllllll the happiness :) Miss it. So it was lovely. We had dinner with one of our members who live out there - the McCallum's. They're Scottish. And MAN. I love the Scottish accent. SO MUCH. Alllllll the happiness!(once again). And they got us laughing up a storm, telling us all about their adventures as newlyweds, and then in joining the church and the missionaries they'll never forget :) Boosts your spirits a bit ;)
Another thing I found out: GILLS FARM IS IN MY AREA. Aka: It's a large area of ginormous art sculptures, and GIRAFFES and things to feeeeeed. Just gotta figure out when it's OPEN and when we can go. Hopefully open on a Monday? Otherwise... sadness. :(
THURSDAY. Patience day. It still amazes me that regardless of how much you can learn patience, you can stilllllllll learn more. But it's fine. It's just hard when there's clearly things your companion is thinking about, but she suddenly won't share anything with you and just sits there being in a bad mood. And THEN: Sister Jackson calls saying, "Hi Sister Ottley! We have a consulate appointment for Sister Lemalu in the morning in the city, so we'll have to pick you up around 7:45. Is that okay?" And then Sister Lemalu broke down in tears a little bit. Ha. 'Cause...see... "consulate" = "getting her Visa for Hawaii." The funny/sad part of it was the fact that she told me after that, "Last night I actually prayed that I WOULDN'T get my Visa." #WhenYouGetComfortable. But... it helped me in understanding more things that were going through her head, and it finally got her a bit more to her less-cranky-self. Not fully...'cause, now she doesn't want to leave. Ha. But...inevitable things. So- It was a good day
I was greatly happy when Sister Prendergast called, asking if we could help in packing her house, now that it's been sold - we all know how I like the cleaning and packing life (well - when it's for other people). My stuff during transfers? Not a huge fan of all the packing. We had our usual dinner at the Rapata's, and MCM at the Wharemate's :) Love them all.
FRIDAY. CONSULATE. IN THE CITY. "Fun times!" - aka: It was a struggle of a day at the consulate. Sister Lemalu's appointment was supposed to be at 9:30, but we got there at 9! So..we thought, oh - maybe that'll help it go faster. ---- and then we ended up not leaving until maybe.... 12:30? 1-ish? Why? Because, usually there's two officers on duty to do the interviews for visa things. But... there was only one that day. So....all the people were taking ages to get through. But, all is welll. Reasons I'm grateful that I'm a patient person. I got to hang out with Elder and Sister Jackson (office missionary couple). Sister Jackson and I chatted about our families, read scriptures, and had a nice little window shopping time together in some of the shoppes down the street. (There was even a LONDON LOLLY SHOPPE [imported British sweets and chocolate]. I was in Heaven.)
After all was said and done, and Sister Lemalu was finally released, she came back with good news that she was APPROVED! She's also sad. But - she also knows (well - most likely) that she'll be staying till the end of the transfer, as to not mess up me not having a companion and all that jazz. And then my posterity will, once again, be continued on in another mission :) *Proud Mum Tears*
There's also many perks to being with Sister Jackson for a morning. Why? - you ask?
She deals with missionary flight things.
My News?
*Suspense*
*Anticipation*
You can officially start singing the song......
"I'll be home for Christmas" on my behalf! :)
Our outtake will be coming home the WEEK OF DECEMBER 19TH :D Still not sure what day yet - but ya know. You won't have to just look at my face on a screen on Christmas, 'cause you'll just be able to see it in person ;) ;) #YesI'mExcited!
Anyhoo. The rest of Friday consisted of Dinner with Sister Lemalu's aunt (who's in Hibiscus Ward) and then a funeral in Aeroview Ward. And this funeral was a blessing in many ways. Why? 1) Samoan referral. So my companion was in heaven, speaking all her Samoan, and translating for me the things that were spoken during the service in Samoan :) Love. 2) I began to realize how much I've learned about eternal perspective and the difference between the feeling of different spirits in different religions. There were lots of people from different faiths at this funeral, and so they kind of put their own "spin" on their talks - a few of them. Mostly 7th Day Adventist. Just a lot of back and forth between speaker and audience of "God Is Good!" "All The Time" "All The Time" "God Is Good!" Ha. Interesting :) But.... it's quite brilliant how we have this eternal perspective in our gospel. We KNOW where they're at – and we KNOW the things that are going on in the Spirit World to help our Father's children even MORE. It's just.. sweet as. All the missionary work. Eternities. I love it all.
Also: Samoan funerals are full on. And apparently this one we went to wasn't even a fully "proper" one - it would have apparently been much longer if it was! Haha. Alll Islanders are really quite family and time oriented. I love it.
SATURDAY we helped out the Sunset Sisters with service at the home of a lady named Caroline. She's the SWEETEST lady, who's been through a LOT in life and is just struggling with moving. So...we were able to go help her with packing and cleaning and giving her some love :) It was grand.
Then...the sickness of Sister Lemalu settled in again, and I journaled and things for the rest of the day. :)
SUNDAY was our little day of miracles. The main being a man named ROGAN.
We were in Torbay for church yesterday. Sister Lemalu and I were at the door, greeting people as they walked in - when a Korean man I didn't recognize walked up. "Do you have to be a member? Or can anyone join the service?" ...What
ANYONE. Anyone can come! He walked on in and our dear WML lovingly jumped up and headed over to meet, friendship, and talk with him. Rogan apparently just moved into the area, got this miracle job opportunity, and decided that he needed to thank God - so... he googled the closest church, and came up with ours! By the end of the meeting (because Brother Wharemate sat with him the whole time) Rogan said, "I loved the spirit of this meeting. How do I join this church?" .....When do things like this happen? Hahaha. So.... GOLDEN miracles. Brother Wharemate got his info — he doesn't live in our area boundaries for us to teach, but we're grateful nonetheless. It's just SO COOL to see how people CAN feel that spirit immediately and want that same love from God. Brilliant. Grateful. Love watching the miracles of people :)
So.... a good week. Time just flies, because... I'll now actually be home at this time in 5 months. What? How does this even happen? It seems like YESTERDAY that I was still back in Kaikohe, emailing you from my dear Kerikeri library. Ha. And then running across the street for Subway for lunch. Every Monday with Sister Pointer. Memories :)
I love you all, and I hope you're having a beautiful sabbath - and I hope you have a most brilliant week ahead as well! Soak up some sun for me — and try and save a little for when I come home 'cause I'll be freezing my little butt off in YOUR winter. #NotExcitedForThatPart #Acclimated #Wussy
ALOFA TELE ATU,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
THIS WEEK. Sick moments (#LactoseProbs), miracle moments, and lots of NEWS moments!!
MONDAY. Bowling again! This might become a thing. We like it. Haha. Not every week, but it's fun with the district. We were also finally able to meet another of our referrals—James. From Zimbabwe, and he's SUPER cool. We're going back soon to meet the fam — they have their own religion currently, but he seemed intrigued by a few different things we shared with him, including the fact that we have older couple missionaries who go out and serve in different countries! Service in any way really does soften hearts of people.
And. Reasons I print out emails. 'Cause, Mum - I was looking back on a couple and found, again, a quote you sent a few weeks back that said, "Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there." —Elder Holland. And..... I needed that Monday night :)
TUESDAY! My sickly companion. Sad face. In our RUSH around that afternoon after District meeting, she accidentally ate dairy....for lunch.....and we forgot to give her a tablet. So...her poor body became ill rather quickly. So we stayed in the flat. But, we got some other things done, and we were at least able to talk to quite a few people on the streets before that point - so it was good.
WEDNESDAY. In the afternoon, we were able to go visit with Linda, helping her pack away and get rid of a few things in the house to get ready for her move.
So that was good. (And by "get rid of" I mean - she donated quite a few things to us/other missionaries/the church. Haha. She's great.) And then: KAUKAPAKAPA. The WEST side of our area in Hibiscus. First time we've been out there—and it was all nostalgic for me. It was like BEING BACK UP NORTH. Long dirt roads, gorgeous rolling green hills, lots of cattle, sheep and farms..... allllllll the happiness :) Miss it. So it was lovely. We had dinner with one of our members who live out there - the McCallum's. They're Scottish. And MAN. I love the Scottish accent. SO MUCH. Alllllll the happiness!(once again). And they got us laughing up a storm, telling us all about their adventures as newlyweds, and then in joining the church and the missionaries they'll never forget :) Boosts your spirits a bit ;)
Another thing I found out: GILLS FARM IS IN MY AREA. Aka: It's a large area of ginormous art sculptures, and GIRAFFES and things to feeeeeed. Just gotta figure out when it's OPEN and when we can go. Hopefully open on a Monday? Otherwise... sadness. :(
THURSDAY. Patience day. It still amazes me that regardless of how much you can learn patience, you can stilllllllll learn more. But it's fine. It's just hard when there's clearly things your companion is thinking about, but she suddenly won't share anything with you and just sits there being in a bad mood. And THEN: Sister Jackson calls saying, "Hi Sister Ottley! We have a consulate appointment for Sister Lemalu in the morning in the city, so we'll have to pick you up around 7:45. Is that okay?" And then Sister Lemalu broke down in tears a little bit. Ha. 'Cause...see... "consulate" = "getting her Visa for Hawaii." The funny/sad part of it was the fact that she told me after that, "Last night I actually prayed that I WOULDN'T get my Visa." #WhenYouGetComfortable. But... it helped me in understanding more things that were going through her head, and it finally got her a bit more to her less-cranky-self. Not fully...'cause, now she doesn't want to leave. Ha. But...inevitable things. So- It was a good day
I was greatly happy when Sister Prendergast called, asking if we could help in packing her house, now that it's been sold - we all know how I like the cleaning and packing life (well - when it's for other people). My stuff during transfers? Not a huge fan of all the packing. We had our usual dinner at the Rapata's, and MCM at the Wharemate's :) Love them all.
FRIDAY. CONSULATE. IN THE CITY. "Fun times!" - aka: It was a struggle of a day at the consulate. Sister Lemalu's appointment was supposed to be at 9:30, but we got there at 9! So..we thought, oh - maybe that'll help it go faster. ---- and then we ended up not leaving until maybe.... 12:30? 1-ish? Why? Because, usually there's two officers on duty to do the interviews for visa things. But... there was only one that day. So....all the people were taking ages to get through. But, all is welll. Reasons I'm grateful that I'm a patient person. I got to hang out with Elder and Sister Jackson (office missionary couple). Sister Jackson and I chatted about our families, read scriptures, and had a nice little window shopping time together in some of the shoppes down the street. (There was even a LONDON LOLLY SHOPPE [imported British sweets and chocolate]. I was in Heaven.)
After all was said and done, and Sister Lemalu was finally released, she came back with good news that she was APPROVED! She's also sad. But - she also knows (well - most likely) that she'll be staying till the end of the transfer, as to not mess up me not having a companion and all that jazz. And then my posterity will, once again, be continued on in another mission :) *Proud Mum Tears*
There's also many perks to being with Sister Jackson for a morning. Why? - you ask?
She deals with missionary flight things.
My News?
*Suspense*
*Anticipation*
You can officially start singing the song......
"I'll be home for Christmas" on my behalf! :)
Our outtake will be coming home the WEEK OF DECEMBER 19TH :D Still not sure what day yet - but ya know. You won't have to just look at my face on a screen on Christmas, 'cause you'll just be able to see it in person ;) ;) #YesI'mExcited!
Anyhoo. The rest of Friday consisted of Dinner with Sister Lemalu's aunt (who's in Hibiscus Ward) and then a funeral in Aeroview Ward. And this funeral was a blessing in many ways. Why? 1) Samoan referral. So my companion was in heaven, speaking all her Samoan, and translating for me the things that were spoken during the service in Samoan :) Love. 2) I began to realize how much I've learned about eternal perspective and the difference between the feeling of different spirits in different religions. There were lots of people from different faiths at this funeral, and so they kind of put their own "spin" on their talks - a few of them. Mostly 7th Day Adventist. Just a lot of back and forth between speaker and audience of "God Is Good!" "All The Time" "All The Time" "God Is Good!" Ha. Interesting :) But.... it's quite brilliant how we have this eternal perspective in our gospel. We KNOW where they're at – and we KNOW the things that are going on in the Spirit World to help our Father's children even MORE. It's just.. sweet as. All the missionary work. Eternities. I love it all.
Also: Samoan funerals are full on. And apparently this one we went to wasn't even a fully "proper" one - it would have apparently been much longer if it was! Haha. Alll Islanders are really quite family and time oriented. I love it.
SATURDAY we helped out the Sunset Sisters with service at the home of a lady named Caroline. She's the SWEETEST lady, who's been through a LOT in life and is just struggling with moving. So...we were able to go help her with packing and cleaning and giving her some love :) It was grand.
Then...the sickness of Sister Lemalu settled in again, and I journaled and things for the rest of the day. :)
SUNDAY was our little day of miracles. The main being a man named ROGAN.
We were in Torbay for church yesterday. Sister Lemalu and I were at the door, greeting people as they walked in - when a Korean man I didn't recognize walked up. "Do you have to be a member? Or can anyone join the service?" ...What
ANYONE. Anyone can come! He walked on in and our dear WML lovingly jumped up and headed over to meet, friendship, and talk with him. Rogan apparently just moved into the area, got this miracle job opportunity, and decided that he needed to thank God - so... he googled the closest church, and came up with ours! By the end of the meeting (because Brother Wharemate sat with him the whole time) Rogan said, "I loved the spirit of this meeting. How do I join this church?" .....When do things like this happen? Hahaha. So.... GOLDEN miracles. Brother Wharemate got his info — he doesn't live in our area boundaries for us to teach, but we're grateful nonetheless. It's just SO COOL to see how people CAN feel that spirit immediately and want that same love from God. Brilliant. Grateful. Love watching the miracles of people :)
So.... a good week. Time just flies, because... I'll now actually be home at this time in 5 months. What? How does this even happen? It seems like YESTERDAY that I was still back in Kaikohe, emailing you from my dear Kerikeri library. Ha. And then running across the street for Subway for lunch. Every Monday with Sister Pointer. Memories :)
I love you all, and I hope you're having a beautiful sabbath - and I hope you have a most brilliant week ahead as well! Soak up some sun for me — and try and save a little for when I come home 'cause I'll be freezing my little butt off in YOUR winter. #NotExcitedForThatPart #Acclimated #Wussy
ALOFA TELE ATU,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
A Very New Zealand Christmas!
Hello my Whanau! It's a beautiful and hot day here in Henderson. How's the snow treatin ya? Haha.
*Disclaimer: This one is long.... haha.
OH, my dear Whanau! :) How SPOILED I have been this week and how grateful I am for all the blessings and miracles I've seen. Christmas time has ALWAYS been special – but it's really true that it's even a bit more special when on the mission. Things are different – but in a good way.
THIS WEEK started off with, as you know – P-day. But, I think I failed to mention: I WENT TO A MALL. Aka: In order to email home we actually walked through the mall (to an Internet cafe). And it was weird to be in a real mall again. Also because people in the mall look at you differently than people on the streets. New experiences. Haha. We also learned what it's like to "walk back to the flat, carrying heavy groceries, because we have no car." Luckily it's not that long of a walk... maybe 2 or 2.5 miles? That night we met the Manukia family, and they're just lovely :) We're spoiled with how lovely all members are no matter where you are!
TUESDAY = first day of BIKING! I actually love it. Yes, it's difficult with the hills being SO BIG in some places. But- we just jump off and walk when we can no longer push our poor tired legs. Haha. So, all's well. However: I do have some nice bruises up and down my right shin/calf now, from banging my leg into my pedal. Good times! (Surprised? You shouldn't be. I'm still my same klutz-y self. Haha) I also made a new planner decoration! (I always decorate my planners each transfer... it's artsy and exciting and fun. ) This transfer's "theme" is "Stay the Course" – It's a talk by President Eyring that I found in an Ensign with a really fun bird picture. I honestly haven't read the full talk yet – but I'm excited to do it! There was also a quote in the article that says:
"When you choose whether to make or keep a covenant with God, you choose whether you will leave an inheritance of hope to those who might follow your example." —President Henry B. Eyring
Truth? Yes! I think so! A lovely thought to keep in mind as a missionary—and not only that, but for all members as Member Missionaries! Has anyone had any little missionary experiences they want to share??
WEDNESDAY. Biking and Baking. Yes – I actually got to BAKE! Our District/Zone decided they wanted to do a "Secret Santa" present exchange, as well as a Zone lunch on Christmas Eve – so, we spent some of our lunch/dinner breaks preparing (and, of course me staying up late to bake cookies... No, I still haven't fully changed in the way of always getting sleep... ha. I do try though!) But really though, – the baking life. I've missed it. I made the famous family Ginger Snaps from Rebecca's mother-in-law, and they were loved. Also – that recipe makes a TON! So... we still have some. #NotComplaining We also got to teach a lesson about "Following the Prophet" with Ivan, and it was WONDERFUL. The Sunnyvale Elders (Christiansen and Le) came over to join our lesson, and it went splendidly. Ivan is SO ready and has so many questions! We LOVE IT. And – even Ivan spoiled us! He gave Sister Hobbs and I each a Christmas/welcome to the area present – Boxes of Favourite's Cadbury chocolates. Brilliant? Yes, I think so! Elder Le also helped me in learning how to ride my bike after the lesson... so that was nice! Ha. #Amateur #NotaCyclist Apparently I've never really known how to use gears properly!
THURSDAY. ALL THE CHRISTMAS EVE JOY! We started off the day with Weekly Planning (usually on Friday – but changed to Thursday this week in order to not interrupt Christmas). And then we had a Zone lunch with all the Elders and Sisters. I brought my cookies, there was pizza, chicken, salad, muffins, fizzy (soda pop), .... And all the things. And we had a grand time :) After the Sister's dropped us back to our flat, Sister Hobbs and I got organized and went out. Honestly – we may not have used all our time as effectively as we could have this day. However, we were also finding that with all the family things going on, not many people wanted us around. But – I did find out one thing that made me feel good. On our walk back to the flat for our dinner break (after finding that not even our Bishop was home...), Sister Hobbs told me one thing she's noticed again – "that she's singing again!" And she does, quite often! Haha. Apparently it's something she would do all the time at home when she was happy – but she's realized that a good portion of the last bit of her mission she's stopped. So she kept saying that she's just "So Happy!!" Haha. And she makes me happy too :) I love her dearly, and I'm excited for the continuing of this transfer with her. (And I also feel like we may be together for another after — so we'll see!)
THURSDAY NIGHT we got our Zone together again and went CAROLLING. Exciting? YES. I haven't been carolling in AGES! We all followed each other around and went to an investigator, less active, or member within everyone's area. Aka: For our area, we stopped by IVAN. Poor little Grace was mortified by the amount of people at her door (she's really shy), but she seemed okay at the end... and I gave her a hug. Haha. But Ivan was gobsmacked (shocked). He's just such a wonderful and grateful person in everything he does. And it's just... so inspiring and exciting to watch him as he learns all these things. The night was wrapped up (or, wrapped down – moreso) with us all exchanging Secret Santas — (some of them turned out to be not so "secret"), but all's well. Haha. I had Elder Le's name – so I had gotten him some little Star Wars Legos figurines, which ALL the Elders went CRAZY over! Hahaha. All the Sisters had a good laugh over that one! And then: fun fact, Elder Le had my name! (I could tell by the wrapping and all the things in it really.) Haha. He got me a SKETCHBOOK (in which he drew something in the front page), Coloring pencils, decorative tape, and a "I <3 NZ" mug with a LITTLE LAMB inside. How is it that he knows me so well? He's clearly got a gift. Haha. After that, Sister Hobbs and I got to go to the other Sister's flat to stay the night! — The one exception to "not supposed to have sleepovers" rule in the mission! WOO! I opened my Christmas Eve present—INSTANT SNOW IS SO COOL!—and then we went to sleep... eventually. Hah.
CHRISTMAS MORNING began at 5:30AM. Why? 'Cause the sisters wanted to open their presents in the morning, and also clearly because we couldn't contain Sister Fornaro any longer after a brilliant night. To start off the Christmas day... we went to the Frost's home for SKYPING and brunch :) The Frost's are a young couple (David and Kim) who have an ADORABLE little 5-month-old boy named Avery. Sister Hobbs skyped in the morning when we first got there at 8am, we helped out a bit in cleaning and preping, and they let us do some puzzles while we waited for their family to arrive for brunch. Brunch = delicious. Pancakes, Fruit, and "Koko Araisa Cocoa Rice"—a Samoan rice dish. It's made with Cocoa Samoa (a somewhat bitter chocolate drink), rice, and I think Coconut milk? It's essentially like a cocoa rice pudding. SO GOOD. After our brunch,... it was my turn to skype :) And I'm just... so glad I got to see you all. Because... that was truly a Christmas wish come true! ...Not sure what else to say about that, as you were there for it!! Haha. It was lovely to see you all and hear all your voices attached to your lovely faces :) So, thank you, thank you for all being there —and Cord, GET BETTER! ;) I honestly could have just talked to you all for hours and hours and hours... which I'm sure is why they give us a time limit. Ha. But, it was good. Really really good. And.... now we've got Mother's Day to look forward to! ;) — Not sure if it'll still be a Skype call, but at least a phone one! I love you all heaps, and I'm grateful for the little time we got! :)
After Skype, "The Joseph family" was our next stop! Emery Joseph (a recently returned missionary from Canada), and her brother, TeAhu (spelling? Idk), came to pick us up (a lovely day of not having to walk everywhere!) and we went to their house for a lunch/dinner. Spoiled by the amounts of food, and also: Presents for us! Another box of Cadbury Favourite's chocolate. Haha. It's a classic gift here ;) We had lamb, chicken, AND ham, kumera, salad, and potato salad. Soooo good. For pudding? PAVLOVA. –First time I've had a real one, though they all kept saying it's still "not a real one" because they "didn't put on the whipped cream and fruit on top" – but the meringue part was GOOD! (Kiwis use a lot of meringue in their desserts I've realized...) And a chocolate log, Ambrosia ice cream... and so many other things. So much food!!! But so good. So tired after! Haha. It was SO LOVELY getting to know the Joseph family though. And the Frost's in the morning. We're excited to have more friends in the ward now, and to be gaining their trust. (We've gathered a bit in the last week and a half that not all of the ward super liked the other sisters.... sad, but true. It seems they felt they were a bit lazy and didn't follow many rules. So, our time is also about building trust with them again!) Another plus to being at the Joseph's — we got to meet our Ward Mission Leader, via Skype! Haha. He's their oldest son – currently in the States (Colorado?) with his wife's family for the holiday. So that was fun. But, another fun fact about him: When they get back, they're moving north to Whangarei. So... we currently really just don't have a WML. All goods. We'll get one soon I'm sure!
The next bit of the night was finally filled with Sister Hobbs and I opening our OWN presents. (So, yes – Mum, Dad, and Leesh – I've set a NEW RECORD for opening presents LATE... I think it was like 6pm? Haha!) THANK YOU for all the cute little things—"open when" cards, and pictures and the second part of the study book for the BofM! The SHOES! (I laughed so hard. Haha.) And the cute little stocking :) (I'd left the companion one packed away for Sister Hobbs.) AND LIZ... THE KIWI ORNAMENT! Did you get that done while you were here? Or somewhere there? Thank you! It's so cute!!! And – I also had gotten a little gift from Sister White – which I ever so patiently waited to open until Christmas... She also got me a little Ornament, one made from wood – from a Rimiu Tree? I think? Something like that. I was spoiled, and I loved the feeling of being home with all the little things :)
After we finished presents, our Zone Leaders texted saying that everyone was invited to the top of a mountain ("mountain") for Christmas night... So, we decided to go — aka: The Sisters said they would go, so we also got to go. Haha. And it was BEAUTIFUL. And I tried my first ever SPICED Ginger Beer. Yum? YES. We had a look-out of all Auckland city area, and beautiful sunsets and a FULL MOON. Cool? YES :)
So... I was spoiled. We had a lovely Christmas, and I wouldn't have changed anything about it if I could have.
BOXING DAY. (The day after Christmas.) There's now quite a lot of people missing from the area – out on Holiday. But, it doesn't really stop the work! And we even saw a few miracles in this day! The morning started with most people we had down to visit not being home, or no longer living in the addresses we had down for them. But: at one of the homes, we found a man named Liberty, and his 2 sons. He talked with us for a bit and we were able to give him a Restoration Pamphlet, AND he gave us his phone number. (That's the one that doesn't happen super often.) So – we're excited to go back and visit with him again soon. After our lunch break Sister Hobbs felt unwell, so we had to break for a bit. I let her sleep, she slept it off. And then we went out for our dinner appointment. On the way there – we ran into a girl named Salu. Fun fact: She's recently moved here from Samoa, and is a RECENT CONVERT. She said, "Will you invite me to church?" So we said, "Yes! Please come!"
And she asked, "Can I have a ride? I'm the only member in my family." Golden? Yup. So we found a ride for her that night.... *To be continued!...*
Okay. Now... the ULTIMATE ADVENTURE. Little did we know what we were getting into when the Halaapiapi's invited us over for dinner this night! Haha. When we arrived, we went around back to find tables lining the back yard, chairs laid out, a canopy, and..... PIGS ROASTING OVER A FIRE. Yup. I've officially been a part of a Pig being spun and roasted over fire. It was actually really excintg. And yes, I also ate the pig! Sister Halaapiapi is Tongan – so this was her "Tongan Luau" of sorts – which was adorable. We got to know a few more people within the ward, and became friends with the Masiasomua's (President Masiasomua – 1st Counselor in the Stake—has a very similar sense of humor to Dad... so that's exciting! Oh AND he's also a PHYSIO (like a physical therapist/acupuncturist specializing in mobility issues). So.... he told me I could come over and he would help me with my back if I wanted. GLORIOUS!! And he's Samoan. So fun! I'm loving all my Samoan and Tongan families.) It was definitely a night of partying, and much excitedment in trying new things. —I also got KINA again, which was SUPER exciting. And more seafood things. LOVE it.
SUNDAY was exciting too – Sister Virginia Tuta'i picked up Salu for us, and even waited for her when there was an issue with her not being ready and her needing permission from her dad to go...
She showed up and we were just so excited! Ivan was also there, but a little down – because Grace is now up north with her grandparents for the next 3 weeks. But we got to know him a little better, we taught him the law of Chastity for our Gospel Principles lesson (President Masiasomua came in and joined the lesson as well—super helpful!) And .... we just LOVE it here. We're so blessed, and have so many wonderful people around us. Ahh. AND. We have a new family in the ward! They're from Brasil! — They speak very little English, and they'll be feeding us this week. So... adventures to come! Haha. We're excited though. :)
Later we went to the Pauna's for dinner —where I tried my first TARO (I thought I had tried it in the MTC.... I was very wrong) AND I also ate OCTOPUS. Who knew I would be trying all these things here!!! Hahaha. Good times though. And yes, I liked both of them! Also: A dish that I can't remember the name of currently.... But it's the leaves of the Taro root, stuffed with onion and coconut cream, and baked in tinfoil. SUPER good. All the new things. So exciting. :)
Anyhoo.. Now that I've talked all your ears off for the week.... I should probably get going. Haha. But– it's been a lovely week. I can't believe we're already to week two of this transfer – it's already speeding by! But it's good. We're getting to know our way around, and we're getting to know the members. AH – also, I learned that if I'm somehow still here in APRIL – LIVING LEGENDS FROM BYU is going to be performing here!! IN MY AREA. WHAAA??? ALL the exctiement! LOVE. We'll see if that dream comes true. Haha. ;)
And now, I have an assignment for you all for the week: Something for EVERYONE to look up — Sister Hobbs showed me this little video on her iPod yesterday, and I FELL IN LOVE. And cried. TOO good. It's a short little video called, "The Butterfly Circus."
I love you all HEAPS, and I hope you have a most wonderful New Year and all the exciting things and wishes come true for you! ;)
MUCH LOVE —Arohanui,
Sister Makikenihi Ottley ;)
Here's a cute poem that my dear, Sister Pam White sent me:
A Candle's Such a Simple Thing
By Author: Helen Custer, 1982
A candle's such a simple thing, It starts with just a bit of string. Yet dipped and dipped with patient hand It gathers more wax upon the strand. Until completed and snowy white, It gives at last a lovely light.
Life seems so like that bit of string, Each day we do a simple thing... Yet day by day as on life's strand, We work with patient heart and hand. It gathers joy, and makes days bright, And gives at last a lovely light!
*Disclaimer: This one is long.... haha.
OH, my dear Whanau! :) How SPOILED I have been this week and how grateful I am for all the blessings and miracles I've seen. Christmas time has ALWAYS been special – but it's really true that it's even a bit more special when on the mission. Things are different – but in a good way.
THIS WEEK started off with, as you know – P-day. But, I think I failed to mention: I WENT TO A MALL. Aka: In order to email home we actually walked through the mall (to an Internet cafe). And it was weird to be in a real mall again. Also because people in the mall look at you differently than people on the streets. New experiences. Haha. We also learned what it's like to "walk back to the flat, carrying heavy groceries, because we have no car." Luckily it's not that long of a walk... maybe 2 or 2.5 miles? That night we met the Manukia family, and they're just lovely :) We're spoiled with how lovely all members are no matter where you are!
TUESDAY = first day of BIKING! I actually love it. Yes, it's difficult with the hills being SO BIG in some places. But- we just jump off and walk when we can no longer push our poor tired legs. Haha. So, all's well. However: I do have some nice bruises up and down my right shin/calf now, from banging my leg into my pedal. Good times! (Surprised? You shouldn't be. I'm still my same klutz-y self. Haha) I also made a new planner decoration! (I always decorate my planners each transfer... it's artsy and exciting and fun. ) This transfer's "theme" is "Stay the Course" – It's a talk by President Eyring that I found in an Ensign with a really fun bird picture. I honestly haven't read the full talk yet – but I'm excited to do it! There was also a quote in the article that says:
"When you choose whether to make or keep a covenant with God, you choose whether you will leave an inheritance of hope to those who might follow your example." —President Henry B. Eyring
Truth? Yes! I think so! A lovely thought to keep in mind as a missionary—and not only that, but for all members as Member Missionaries! Has anyone had any little missionary experiences they want to share??
WEDNESDAY. Biking and Baking. Yes – I actually got to BAKE! Our District/Zone decided they wanted to do a "Secret Santa" present exchange, as well as a Zone lunch on Christmas Eve – so, we spent some of our lunch/dinner breaks preparing (and, of course me staying up late to bake cookies... No, I still haven't fully changed in the way of always getting sleep... ha. I do try though!) But really though, – the baking life. I've missed it. I made the famous family Ginger Snaps from Rebecca's mother-in-law, and they were loved. Also – that recipe makes a TON! So... we still have some. #NotComplaining We also got to teach a lesson about "Following the Prophet" with Ivan, and it was WONDERFUL. The Sunnyvale Elders (Christiansen and Le) came over to join our lesson, and it went splendidly. Ivan is SO ready and has so many questions! We LOVE IT. And – even Ivan spoiled us! He gave Sister Hobbs and I each a Christmas/welcome to the area present – Boxes of Favourite's Cadbury chocolates. Brilliant? Yes, I think so! Elder Le also helped me in learning how to ride my bike after the lesson... so that was nice! Ha. #Amateur #NotaCyclist Apparently I've never really known how to use gears properly!
THURSDAY. ALL THE CHRISTMAS EVE JOY! We started off the day with Weekly Planning (usually on Friday – but changed to Thursday this week in order to not interrupt Christmas). And then we had a Zone lunch with all the Elders and Sisters. I brought my cookies, there was pizza, chicken, salad, muffins, fizzy (soda pop), .... And all the things. And we had a grand time :) After the Sister's dropped us back to our flat, Sister Hobbs and I got organized and went out. Honestly – we may not have used all our time as effectively as we could have this day. However, we were also finding that with all the family things going on, not many people wanted us around. But – I did find out one thing that made me feel good. On our walk back to the flat for our dinner break (after finding that not even our Bishop was home...), Sister Hobbs told me one thing she's noticed again – "that she's singing again!" And she does, quite often! Haha. Apparently it's something she would do all the time at home when she was happy – but she's realized that a good portion of the last bit of her mission she's stopped. So she kept saying that she's just "So Happy!!" Haha. And she makes me happy too :) I love her dearly, and I'm excited for the continuing of this transfer with her. (And I also feel like we may be together for another after — so we'll see!)
THURSDAY NIGHT we got our Zone together again and went CAROLLING. Exciting? YES. I haven't been carolling in AGES! We all followed each other around and went to an investigator, less active, or member within everyone's area. Aka: For our area, we stopped by IVAN. Poor little Grace was mortified by the amount of people at her door (she's really shy), but she seemed okay at the end... and I gave her a hug. Haha. But Ivan was gobsmacked (shocked). He's just such a wonderful and grateful person in everything he does. And it's just... so inspiring and exciting to watch him as he learns all these things. The night was wrapped up (or, wrapped down – moreso) with us all exchanging Secret Santas — (some of them turned out to be not so "secret"), but all's well. Haha. I had Elder Le's name – so I had gotten him some little Star Wars Legos figurines, which ALL the Elders went CRAZY over! Hahaha. All the Sisters had a good laugh over that one! And then: fun fact, Elder Le had my name! (I could tell by the wrapping and all the things in it really.) Haha. He got me a SKETCHBOOK (in which he drew something in the front page), Coloring pencils, decorative tape, and a "I <3 NZ" mug with a LITTLE LAMB inside. How is it that he knows me so well? He's clearly got a gift. Haha. After that, Sister Hobbs and I got to go to the other Sister's flat to stay the night! — The one exception to "not supposed to have sleepovers" rule in the mission! WOO! I opened my Christmas Eve present—INSTANT SNOW IS SO COOL!—and then we went to sleep... eventually. Hah.
CHRISTMAS MORNING began at 5:30AM. Why? 'Cause the sisters wanted to open their presents in the morning, and also clearly because we couldn't contain Sister Fornaro any longer after a brilliant night. To start off the Christmas day... we went to the Frost's home for SKYPING and brunch :) The Frost's are a young couple (David and Kim) who have an ADORABLE little 5-month-old boy named Avery. Sister Hobbs skyped in the morning when we first got there at 8am, we helped out a bit in cleaning and preping, and they let us do some puzzles while we waited for their family to arrive for brunch. Brunch = delicious. Pancakes, Fruit, and "Koko Araisa Cocoa Rice"—a Samoan rice dish. It's made with Cocoa Samoa (a somewhat bitter chocolate drink), rice, and I think Coconut milk? It's essentially like a cocoa rice pudding. SO GOOD. After our brunch,... it was my turn to skype :) And I'm just... so glad I got to see you all. Because... that was truly a Christmas wish come true! ...Not sure what else to say about that, as you were there for it!! Haha. It was lovely to see you all and hear all your voices attached to your lovely faces :) So, thank you, thank you for all being there —and Cord, GET BETTER! ;) I honestly could have just talked to you all for hours and hours and hours... which I'm sure is why they give us a time limit. Ha. But, it was good. Really really good. And.... now we've got Mother's Day to look forward to! ;) — Not sure if it'll still be a Skype call, but at least a phone one! I love you all heaps, and I'm grateful for the little time we got! :)
After Skype, "The Joseph family" was our next stop! Emery Joseph (a recently returned missionary from Canada), and her brother, TeAhu (spelling? Idk), came to pick us up (a lovely day of not having to walk everywhere!) and we went to their house for a lunch/dinner. Spoiled by the amounts of food, and also: Presents for us! Another box of Cadbury Favourite's chocolate. Haha. It's a classic gift here ;) We had lamb, chicken, AND ham, kumera, salad, and potato salad. Soooo good. For pudding? PAVLOVA. –First time I've had a real one, though they all kept saying it's still "not a real one" because they "didn't put on the whipped cream and fruit on top" – but the meringue part was GOOD! (Kiwis use a lot of meringue in their desserts I've realized...) And a chocolate log, Ambrosia ice cream... and so many other things. So much food!!! But so good. So tired after! Haha. It was SO LOVELY getting to know the Joseph family though. And the Frost's in the morning. We're excited to have more friends in the ward now, and to be gaining their trust. (We've gathered a bit in the last week and a half that not all of the ward super liked the other sisters.... sad, but true. It seems they felt they were a bit lazy and didn't follow many rules. So, our time is also about building trust with them again!) Another plus to being at the Joseph's — we got to meet our Ward Mission Leader, via Skype! Haha. He's their oldest son – currently in the States (Colorado?) with his wife's family for the holiday. So that was fun. But, another fun fact about him: When they get back, they're moving north to Whangarei. So... we currently really just don't have a WML. All goods. We'll get one soon I'm sure!
The next bit of the night was finally filled with Sister Hobbs and I opening our OWN presents. (So, yes – Mum, Dad, and Leesh – I've set a NEW RECORD for opening presents LATE... I think it was like 6pm? Haha!) THANK YOU for all the cute little things—"open when" cards, and pictures and the second part of the study book for the BofM! The SHOES! (I laughed so hard. Haha.) And the cute little stocking :) (I'd left the companion one packed away for Sister Hobbs.) AND LIZ... THE KIWI ORNAMENT! Did you get that done while you were here? Or somewhere there? Thank you! It's so cute!!! And – I also had gotten a little gift from Sister White – which I ever so patiently waited to open until Christmas... She also got me a little Ornament, one made from wood – from a Rimiu Tree? I think? Something like that. I was spoiled, and I loved the feeling of being home with all the little things :)
After we finished presents, our Zone Leaders texted saying that everyone was invited to the top of a mountain ("mountain") for Christmas night... So, we decided to go — aka: The Sisters said they would go, so we also got to go. Haha. And it was BEAUTIFUL. And I tried my first ever SPICED Ginger Beer. Yum? YES. We had a look-out of all Auckland city area, and beautiful sunsets and a FULL MOON. Cool? YES :)
So... I was spoiled. We had a lovely Christmas, and I wouldn't have changed anything about it if I could have.
BOXING DAY. (The day after Christmas.) There's now quite a lot of people missing from the area – out on Holiday. But, it doesn't really stop the work! And we even saw a few miracles in this day! The morning started with most people we had down to visit not being home, or no longer living in the addresses we had down for them. But: at one of the homes, we found a man named Liberty, and his 2 sons. He talked with us for a bit and we were able to give him a Restoration Pamphlet, AND he gave us his phone number. (That's the one that doesn't happen super often.) So – we're excited to go back and visit with him again soon. After our lunch break Sister Hobbs felt unwell, so we had to break for a bit. I let her sleep, she slept it off. And then we went out for our dinner appointment. On the way there – we ran into a girl named Salu. Fun fact: She's recently moved here from Samoa, and is a RECENT CONVERT. She said, "Will you invite me to church?" So we said, "Yes! Please come!"
And she asked, "Can I have a ride? I'm the only member in my family." Golden? Yup. So we found a ride for her that night.... *To be continued!...*
Okay. Now... the ULTIMATE ADVENTURE. Little did we know what we were getting into when the Halaapiapi's invited us over for dinner this night! Haha. When we arrived, we went around back to find tables lining the back yard, chairs laid out, a canopy, and..... PIGS ROASTING OVER A FIRE. Yup. I've officially been a part of a Pig being spun and roasted over fire. It was actually really excintg. And yes, I also ate the pig! Sister Halaapiapi is Tongan – so this was her "Tongan Luau" of sorts – which was adorable. We got to know a few more people within the ward, and became friends with the Masiasomua's (President Masiasomua – 1st Counselor in the Stake—has a very similar sense of humor to Dad... so that's exciting! Oh AND he's also a PHYSIO (like a physical therapist/acupuncturist specializing in mobility issues). So.... he told me I could come over and he would help me with my back if I wanted. GLORIOUS!! And he's Samoan. So fun! I'm loving all my Samoan and Tongan families.) It was definitely a night of partying, and much excitedment in trying new things. —I also got KINA again, which was SUPER exciting. And more seafood things. LOVE it.
SUNDAY was exciting too – Sister Virginia Tuta'i picked up Salu for us, and even waited for her when there was an issue with her not being ready and her needing permission from her dad to go...
She showed up and we were just so excited! Ivan was also there, but a little down – because Grace is now up north with her grandparents for the next 3 weeks. But we got to know him a little better, we taught him the law of Chastity for our Gospel Principles lesson (President Masiasomua came in and joined the lesson as well—super helpful!) And .... we just LOVE it here. We're so blessed, and have so many wonderful people around us. Ahh. AND. We have a new family in the ward! They're from Brasil! — They speak very little English, and they'll be feeding us this week. So... adventures to come! Haha. We're excited though. :)
Later we went to the Pauna's for dinner —where I tried my first TARO (I thought I had tried it in the MTC.... I was very wrong) AND I also ate OCTOPUS. Who knew I would be trying all these things here!!! Hahaha. Good times though. And yes, I liked both of them! Also: A dish that I can't remember the name of currently.... But it's the leaves of the Taro root, stuffed with onion and coconut cream, and baked in tinfoil. SUPER good. All the new things. So exciting. :)
Anyhoo.. Now that I've talked all your ears off for the week.... I should probably get going. Haha. But– it's been a lovely week. I can't believe we're already to week two of this transfer – it's already speeding by! But it's good. We're getting to know our way around, and we're getting to know the members. AH – also, I learned that if I'm somehow still here in APRIL – LIVING LEGENDS FROM BYU is going to be performing here!! IN MY AREA. WHAAA??? ALL the exctiement! LOVE. We'll see if that dream comes true. Haha. ;)
And now, I have an assignment for you all for the week: Something for EVERYONE to look up — Sister Hobbs showed me this little video on her iPod yesterday, and I FELL IN LOVE. And cried. TOO good. It's a short little video called, "The Butterfly Circus."
I love you all HEAPS, and I hope you have a most wonderful New Year and all the exciting things and wishes come true for you! ;)
MUCH LOVE —Arohanui,
Sister Makikenihi Ottley ;)
Here's a cute poem that my dear, Sister Pam White sent me:
A Candle's Such a Simple Thing
By Author: Helen Custer, 1982
A candle's such a simple thing, It starts with just a bit of string. Yet dipped and dipped with patient hand It gathers more wax upon the strand. Until completed and snowy white, It gives at last a lovely light.
Life seems so like that bit of string, Each day we do a simple thing... Yet day by day as on life's strand, We work with patient heart and hand. It gathers joy, and makes days bright, And gives at last a lovely light!
Monday, December 21, 2015
Change is Hard, But Good!
This week. Man. I can't even believe where life takes you sometimes. It's like – a blink of an eye and time FLIES!
Have you all made your transfer guesses?? ;) ;) Wanna know who's right???
The GIRLS are ALL RIGHT! NEW AREA, AND NEW COMPANION! We've been DOUBLE SHIFTED into HENDERSON! We're in the Henderson Valley WARD (What? I have to figure out how to use the term Ward and Bishop again!)
We live at a little flat in Henderson. (Also living within my area? What!?=) Haha. So... all the adventures :) My companion's name is Sister Hobbs, and she's the cutest little British girl you'll ever meet!! 😁
I'm sort of still North? But more West now. About 3 hours south of where I was before. And I'm definitely in the city now! I can see SKY TOWER from my area!!!!! The sisters taking over my last area are Sister Kilgrow (American) and Kulu (Tongan)! I know Sister Kilgrow pretty well, and I met Kulu Thursday — they're going to be great, and they're also going to be SPOILED by the Paihia Branch on Christmas. So... they're all going to be just fine :)
MY WEEK: MONDAY was filled with Zone P-day, watching the Elders play touch ball (while us Sisters passed our own rugby ball to one another, and I learned Sister Pointer is even less coordinated than me! Hahaha... But she's cute ;) ) We then went back to the Kaikohe chapel and made "gingerbread houses" — but without gingerbread, nor graham crackers (because they don't exist here...) So Sister Pointer and I got creative and got Cruskits. Similar shape to graham crackers....but a cracker. So – super not the same taste-wise, but they all seemed to have fun still!
Sister Pointer and I were then able to visit a few families that night — and we got to TEACH PEARL. (Reminder: Pearl is the daughter of less-actives, Dennis and Nan Honey. SWEETEST family, coming back to activity :) ) So we had a BRILLIANT lesson on Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end. And it was just SO happy.
TUESDAY. Whew... Tuesday was a day! We started off with District Meeting – we all basically cried. One, because of the video Elder Shannon shared for Training, and two, because we all knew there was going to be BIG changes to our District and Zone — even though we didn't know what changes yet. (Video: called "Missionary Work and The Atonement" – a compilation of 2 different talks by Elder Holland and President Eyring... I'm trying to find the link... we'll see if I can track it down.) Sister Pointer and I then went out for a lunch at Kebabulous – because we had strong feelings that it would be our last week together. And because Kebabulous is delicious :) We got to drop by Marion's home and share a message with her too, and challenged her to start reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning again. We then all walked out together because Marion was on her way to drop some things to the Op Shop. Sister Pointer started walking down the street to go call Elder Shannon (District leader) because... he had started calling us during our lesson with Marion... Note: During Transfers week, you can get the news of being transferred from pretty much anyone from President Balli to the Assistants, to your Zone Leaders OR your District Leader..... so.... basically we were on edge. Haha. We called. He answered and asked how we were doing. And we just said, "ELDER SHANNON. TELL US WHAT'S GOING ON!" He laughed – and continued. "Sister Ottley...... You'll be going to HENDERSON! And you'll be Senior companion to Sister Hobbs." — Aka: I'd just been Double shifted!
"And Sister Pointer.... You'll be going to Tamaki! Your companion is Sister....." (I honestly can't remember her companion's name now). But it's a Samoan name. Haha. So: My dear Sister Pointer has been sent SOUTH. And not only that, but she's finally been sent back to her Samoan programme, and I'm SO excited for her -—— but keep her in your prayers, please, 'cause.... she was excited and nervous and just kind of terrified all in one! Haha.
Change. It's good :) It's hard – but good. The members we've met already are just lovely, and welcoming and we're excited to get to know them. We've also already set up Skype times! Is it good if I call around 12 noon on Christmas, my time – so 4:00 pm Christmas Eve YOUR time??
FYI: President Balli likes to shift us all around a lot when the mission seems to get a bit relaxed and numbers drop more than they should... He's pretty much fearless :) Haha. And "Double Shifted" means — 2 companions leaving (double shifting out), and 2 companions coming in (double shifting in)! So... I've just done both! :)
Because Sister Hobbs came from East Tamaki. (Before me, she was companions with my beloved MTC companion, Sister Lott!!!)
So – TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY were honestly spent shooting from one place to another, saying goodbyes, and getting in last lessons and talking and just.... saying goodbye to my dear Paihia and Matauri Bay. Ah. Fyi: about 30 steps down the street after that phonecall – I burst into tears. Haha. And – not that it was necessarily a bad cry – just.... a realization that I would have to LEAVE! Sister Pointer pulled me to the side and gave me a hug and said, "No worries!! I'm sure your new area will take care of you on Christmas!" ...And honestly, I hadn't even thought of that. I just started thinking about the fact that I had to leave these people that I've come to LOVE SO MUCH. They ARE FAMILY, and I would now have to leave them. It's honestly stilll hard to think about. My dear Aunty's, Sister and Brother White, the CLEMENTS, the Himiona's, all the Going families..... All our less-actives that I love SO MUCH. It was hard for me to get over. But – we went and said goodbye. And had a last lunch with Sister White Wednesday afternoon – after our LAST singing at BayCare. OH my goodness. That was difficult. I can't even explain.
We had a last dinner with Stella (a less-active coming back) and the Clements Wednesday night, and then ZOOMED around to say goodbye to Aunty's and others around. We then jumped over to the Clements – for one last blessing. And the priesthood is just brilliant! There were actually some things in this one that.... terrified? me? But... also not. I'll explain more later in a letter. There was just a phrase given to me along the lines of "the things I'm going through here will benefit for future higher positions/callings in the church" .... So, ya know. Whatever that means!
Anyhoo, enough sadness. We got to say goodbye – that's what I'm GRATEFUL for. Some people don't hear about transfer news until Wednesday! So we were lucky. And we even got in quite a few lessons within our insane-ness, so that was exciting! :)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT was insane – as the Elders decided they wanted to pick up our luggage that night, rather than Thursday morning..... So, lovingly, the other Sisters came over to help us pack alll the things up. Fun fact: I've accumulated a lot of stuff! How? Who KNOWS??! But.... 6 months in a place I guess makes it that way. Also it's apparently a thing that most people that live up north accumulate things. Ha. Once again, why? Who knows!
Anyhoo, my former trainee companion, Sister BOITEUX has ALSO been transferred — and SHE is now companions with Sister Lott in Tamaki! WHA? ...Basically all my companinos are comps with her. It'll happen again one day for us. I know it! Prayers. ;)
THURSDAY was an EARLY and LONG day. Ha. 4:30am up – packing last minute things – and out to Kawakawa to meet the Elders to drive to Auckland. Fun fact: Driving to Auckland was the 5th time I've ever been/seen SKY TOWER! EXCITEMENT. I got to see a few other missionaries, meet a few new faces, and meet the sister that had been over the area Sister Hobbs and I would now be taking. Sister Blanchard. She's lovely – and they have a SET in this area!! I get to help in baptising someone in the next few weeks! (His name is Ivan. He has the CUTEST daughter, Grace, and is set to be baptised on the 9th of January.) After we got into our area (only about a 20 minute drive from where we have transfers meeting!), we got settled in a bit, got to know each other and then went out to explore – neither of us having been in Hendersoon before!
Ah. So – now. Sister Hobbs :) Ahhhhh yes—for real, the cutest little British RED-HEAD you'll ever meet! She's 19 and the oldest in her family. Her favourite colour is green, her birthday is 3 January, and yes –she likes "Dr. Who," if anybody was wondering ;) Haha. Things I'm just discovering. We're both pretty quiet which makes walking streets ....a little boring. Ha. But we're getting there. We're getting more talkative and excited about the work together.
Also: Our area is HUGE. And SUPER HILLY. I'm in a BIKING AREA (oh yea! I forgot to mention that). We're the ONLY ones in the entire Zone without a car.... fun!) ...And it' s really hot. So it's kind of crazy. SO MANY STREETS. And they're all curvy and crazy. Haha. Did I mention HILLS? Ha. Yeah. It's like San Fransisco! So...
hopefully I'll be getting at least a little more fit! Haha.
So... basically these last few days have just been roaming the area, trying to get to know the people, and sharing our excitement. It's also been a little sad, 'cause we've had a few members express to us that they felt a bit let-down by the last sisters — like they played around more than trying to fully do the work ;( ...So, our job right now is to build the trust with the members again! Woo! It's good though. Bishop got us to bare our testimonies in the ward yesterday, so I think that was a good little intro.
OH. Also: I'm now no longer in Maori land! So... that's different for me. I'm offically with more Islanders. Not as many as are in the south (as I hear), but I'll be learning more Samoan and Tongan now! Haha! (The girl who didn't want to learn a language, and I'm going to be learning bits and pieces of at least three!!) "Talofa" is Hello in Samoan — I've got that one down. Tongan: "Malo e le lei" – Still have yet to use that one. We'll get there though! Haha.
Names YOU all have to look forward to in the future transfer: Bishop Papali'i (Samoan), Brother Tu'ivai (Tongan), Brother Tuta'i (Samoan), Sister Gaitau (Samoan).
There's the Hakaraia family (well - multiple families)
Halaapiapi, Auva'a, Neioti, Taumafai. ...So... lots of learning in speaking coming my way! Haha.
Also – not to freak you out. But wanna know the new medical struggle of the week? I may be developing a STY. Not sure.... but my eye is swollen. Ha. And is rather sore. But we're going to the Chemist to have them look at it after emails. So no worries. ;) All the joys. But the work moves on! I'm also currently in an Internet cafe – praying that whatever I feel crawling on me isn't going to eat me alive. Fun times! And. Bug bites. I'm convinced that bugs are different in every city. I finally stopped getting bitten as much in Kaikohe.... then Friday night I got bitten FOUR times within 10 minutes while we were talking with the Elders outside our flat that night. And they swell quite easily I'm learning.... so that's also exciting!
Anyhoo. I'm excited to give you new updates as Sister Hobbs and I go about this journey together. Luckily she's considerably better at nagivating and figuring out where to go than I EVER have been –and she has a map! :) I'll be purchasing one today as well. Haha.
The gospel is TRUE, my dear Whanau (yes, I'm still going to be exercising my Maori too!). This Christmas season is TRULY one that we have to remember the reason for the season, and I'm grateful to be a missionary at this time. I've learned so much, and I know I will continue to learn more each and every day. KEEP THE FAITH. It's real, and a JOY! Missionary work is so COOL!
Have a most LOVELY week – aaaaaand.... I'll see you all on Christmas (Eve)!!! ;) I'm SO EXCITED TO SEE YOUR FACES!!
Also: Leesh put in a paper craft gingerbread house in one of my 'open before Christmas' packages. Haha. So I've been working on that, and I quite like it :)
AROHANUI,
Sister Ottley
Have you all made your transfer guesses?? ;) ;) Wanna know who's right???
The GIRLS are ALL RIGHT! NEW AREA, AND NEW COMPANION! We've been DOUBLE SHIFTED into HENDERSON! We're in the Henderson Valley WARD (What? I have to figure out how to use the term Ward and Bishop again!)
We live at a little flat in Henderson. (Also living within my area? What!?=) Haha. So... all the adventures :) My companion's name is Sister Hobbs, and she's the cutest little British girl you'll ever meet!! 😁
I'm sort of still North? But more West now. About 3 hours south of where I was before. And I'm definitely in the city now! I can see SKY TOWER from my area!!!!! The sisters taking over my last area are Sister Kilgrow (American) and Kulu (Tongan)! I know Sister Kilgrow pretty well, and I met Kulu Thursday — they're going to be great, and they're also going to be SPOILED by the Paihia Branch on Christmas. So... they're all going to be just fine :)
MY WEEK: MONDAY was filled with Zone P-day, watching the Elders play touch ball (while us Sisters passed our own rugby ball to one another, and I learned Sister Pointer is even less coordinated than me! Hahaha... But she's cute ;) ) We then went back to the Kaikohe chapel and made "gingerbread houses" — but without gingerbread, nor graham crackers (because they don't exist here...) So Sister Pointer and I got creative and got Cruskits. Similar shape to graham crackers....but a cracker. So – super not the same taste-wise, but they all seemed to have fun still!
Sister Pointer and I were then able to visit a few families that night — and we got to TEACH PEARL. (Reminder: Pearl is the daughter of less-actives, Dennis and Nan Honey. SWEETEST family, coming back to activity :) ) So we had a BRILLIANT lesson on Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end. And it was just SO happy.
TUESDAY. Whew... Tuesday was a day! We started off with District Meeting – we all basically cried. One, because of the video Elder Shannon shared for Training, and two, because we all knew there was going to be BIG changes to our District and Zone — even though we didn't know what changes yet. (Video: called "Missionary Work and The Atonement" – a compilation of 2 different talks by Elder Holland and President Eyring... I'm trying to find the link... we'll see if I can track it down.) Sister Pointer and I then went out for a lunch at Kebabulous – because we had strong feelings that it would be our last week together. And because Kebabulous is delicious :) We got to drop by Marion's home and share a message with her too, and challenged her to start reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning again. We then all walked out together because Marion was on her way to drop some things to the Op Shop. Sister Pointer started walking down the street to go call Elder Shannon (District leader) because... he had started calling us during our lesson with Marion... Note: During Transfers week, you can get the news of being transferred from pretty much anyone from President Balli to the Assistants, to your Zone Leaders OR your District Leader..... so.... basically we were on edge. Haha. We called. He answered and asked how we were doing. And we just said, "ELDER SHANNON. TELL US WHAT'S GOING ON!" He laughed – and continued. "Sister Ottley...... You'll be going to HENDERSON! And you'll be Senior companion to Sister Hobbs." — Aka: I'd just been Double shifted!
"And Sister Pointer.... You'll be going to Tamaki! Your companion is Sister....." (I honestly can't remember her companion's name now). But it's a Samoan name. Haha. So: My dear Sister Pointer has been sent SOUTH. And not only that, but she's finally been sent back to her Samoan programme, and I'm SO excited for her -—— but keep her in your prayers, please, 'cause.... she was excited and nervous and just kind of terrified all in one! Haha.
Change. It's good :) It's hard – but good. The members we've met already are just lovely, and welcoming and we're excited to get to know them. We've also already set up Skype times! Is it good if I call around 12 noon on Christmas, my time – so 4:00 pm Christmas Eve YOUR time??
FYI: President Balli likes to shift us all around a lot when the mission seems to get a bit relaxed and numbers drop more than they should... He's pretty much fearless :) Haha. And "Double Shifted" means — 2 companions leaving (double shifting out), and 2 companions coming in (double shifting in)! So... I've just done both! :)
Because Sister Hobbs came from East Tamaki. (Before me, she was companions with my beloved MTC companion, Sister Lott!!!)
So – TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY were honestly spent shooting from one place to another, saying goodbyes, and getting in last lessons and talking and just.... saying goodbye to my dear Paihia and Matauri Bay. Ah. Fyi: about 30 steps down the street after that phonecall – I burst into tears. Haha. And – not that it was necessarily a bad cry – just.... a realization that I would have to LEAVE! Sister Pointer pulled me to the side and gave me a hug and said, "No worries!! I'm sure your new area will take care of you on Christmas!" ...And honestly, I hadn't even thought of that. I just started thinking about the fact that I had to leave these people that I've come to LOVE SO MUCH. They ARE FAMILY, and I would now have to leave them. It's honestly stilll hard to think about. My dear Aunty's, Sister and Brother White, the CLEMENTS, the Himiona's, all the Going families..... All our less-actives that I love SO MUCH. It was hard for me to get over. But – we went and said goodbye. And had a last lunch with Sister White Wednesday afternoon – after our LAST singing at BayCare. OH my goodness. That was difficult. I can't even explain.
We had a last dinner with Stella (a less-active coming back) and the Clements Wednesday night, and then ZOOMED around to say goodbye to Aunty's and others around. We then jumped over to the Clements – for one last blessing. And the priesthood is just brilliant! There were actually some things in this one that.... terrified? me? But... also not. I'll explain more later in a letter. There was just a phrase given to me along the lines of "the things I'm going through here will benefit for future higher positions/callings in the church" .... So, ya know. Whatever that means!
Anyhoo, enough sadness. We got to say goodbye – that's what I'm GRATEFUL for. Some people don't hear about transfer news until Wednesday! So we were lucky. And we even got in quite a few lessons within our insane-ness, so that was exciting! :)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT was insane – as the Elders decided they wanted to pick up our luggage that night, rather than Thursday morning..... So, lovingly, the other Sisters came over to help us pack alll the things up. Fun fact: I've accumulated a lot of stuff! How? Who KNOWS??! But.... 6 months in a place I guess makes it that way. Also it's apparently a thing that most people that live up north accumulate things. Ha. Once again, why? Who knows!
Anyhoo, my former trainee companion, Sister BOITEUX has ALSO been transferred — and SHE is now companions with Sister Lott in Tamaki! WHA? ...Basically all my companinos are comps with her. It'll happen again one day for us. I know it! Prayers. ;)
THURSDAY was an EARLY and LONG day. Ha. 4:30am up – packing last minute things – and out to Kawakawa to meet the Elders to drive to Auckland. Fun fact: Driving to Auckland was the 5th time I've ever been/seen SKY TOWER! EXCITEMENT. I got to see a few other missionaries, meet a few new faces, and meet the sister that had been over the area Sister Hobbs and I would now be taking. Sister Blanchard. She's lovely – and they have a SET in this area!! I get to help in baptising someone in the next few weeks! (His name is Ivan. He has the CUTEST daughter, Grace, and is set to be baptised on the 9th of January.) After we got into our area (only about a 20 minute drive from where we have transfers meeting!), we got settled in a bit, got to know each other and then went out to explore – neither of us having been in Hendersoon before!
Ah. So – now. Sister Hobbs :) Ahhhhh yes—for real, the cutest little British RED-HEAD you'll ever meet! She's 19 and the oldest in her family. Her favourite colour is green, her birthday is 3 January, and yes –she likes "Dr. Who," if anybody was wondering ;) Haha. Things I'm just discovering. We're both pretty quiet which makes walking streets ....a little boring. Ha. But we're getting there. We're getting more talkative and excited about the work together.
Also: Our area is HUGE. And SUPER HILLY. I'm in a BIKING AREA (oh yea! I forgot to mention that). We're the ONLY ones in the entire Zone without a car.... fun!) ...And it' s really hot. So it's kind of crazy. SO MANY STREETS. And they're all curvy and crazy. Haha. Did I mention HILLS? Ha. Yeah. It's like San Fransisco! So...
hopefully I'll be getting at least a little more fit! Haha.
So... basically these last few days have just been roaming the area, trying to get to know the people, and sharing our excitement. It's also been a little sad, 'cause we've had a few members express to us that they felt a bit let-down by the last sisters — like they played around more than trying to fully do the work ;( ...So, our job right now is to build the trust with the members again! Woo! It's good though. Bishop got us to bare our testimonies in the ward yesterday, so I think that was a good little intro.
OH. Also: I'm now no longer in Maori land! So... that's different for me. I'm offically with more Islanders. Not as many as are in the south (as I hear), but I'll be learning more Samoan and Tongan now! Haha! (The girl who didn't want to learn a language, and I'm going to be learning bits and pieces of at least three!!) "Talofa" is Hello in Samoan — I've got that one down. Tongan: "Malo e le lei" – Still have yet to use that one. We'll get there though! Haha.
Names YOU all have to look forward to in the future transfer: Bishop Papali'i (Samoan), Brother Tu'ivai (Tongan), Brother Tuta'i (Samoan), Sister Gaitau (Samoan).
There's the Hakaraia family (well - multiple families)
Halaapiapi, Auva'a, Neioti, Taumafai. ...So... lots of learning in speaking coming my way! Haha.
Also – not to freak you out. But wanna know the new medical struggle of the week? I may be developing a STY. Not sure.... but my eye is swollen. Ha. And is rather sore. But we're going to the Chemist to have them look at it after emails. So no worries. ;) All the joys. But the work moves on! I'm also currently in an Internet cafe – praying that whatever I feel crawling on me isn't going to eat me alive. Fun times! And. Bug bites. I'm convinced that bugs are different in every city. I finally stopped getting bitten as much in Kaikohe.... then Friday night I got bitten FOUR times within 10 minutes while we were talking with the Elders outside our flat that night. And they swell quite easily I'm learning.... so that's also exciting!
Anyhoo. I'm excited to give you new updates as Sister Hobbs and I go about this journey together. Luckily she's considerably better at nagivating and figuring out where to go than I EVER have been –and she has a map! :) I'll be purchasing one today as well. Haha.
The gospel is TRUE, my dear Whanau (yes, I'm still going to be exercising my Maori too!). This Christmas season is TRULY one that we have to remember the reason for the season, and I'm grateful to be a missionary at this time. I've learned so much, and I know I will continue to learn more each and every day. KEEP THE FAITH. It's real, and a JOY! Missionary work is so COOL!
Have a most LOVELY week – aaaaaand.... I'll see you all on Christmas (Eve)!!! ;) I'm SO EXCITED TO SEE YOUR FACES!!
Also: Leesh put in a paper craft gingerbread house in one of my 'open before Christmas' packages. Haha. So I've been working on that, and I quite like it :)
AROHANUI,
Sister Ottley
 |
| New District |
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Temple Trip!!!
There's really not a whole ton for this week... But to start off: Does anyone have any PREDICTIONS for transfers this week? We haven't received any news yet... but we can anytime between now and Thursday! (And transfers meeting isON Thursday... fun times!) I'm officially moving into my FIFTH TRANSFER!
Such a joyful week. Full of sickness. So...that's grand. :P
Ha. But – for reals, it DID start out in grandeur. Why?
BECAUSE I GOT TO GO TO THE TEMPLE! "And there was much rejoicing and happiness and PEACE in the land."
I honestly don't think I've ever truly realized HOW peaceful, relaxing, and calming the temple is. I mean –I've always known and felt that, but there was something different this time. It was just like – I had no worries for the whole time we were there. There was no stress, no worry,—just relaxing and talking with my Father in Heaven. We were able to do initiatories and an endowment session. And the cool thing about that? I was able to help Sister Christiansen with one of her family names – and I got to do one of them for both initiatory AND endowment. So that was pretty cool. I'm definitely excited to meet her one day. :)
Anyhoo – So, yes. The week began with travel southward Monday night. Tuesday was spent in the temple, then taking pictures, and then back home. On the way back from the temple, there's apparently this tradition of this ice-cream shop we stop at — Pokenos. And it was delicious and wonderful. And exciting :)
And then once we were on our way back from Harbor to Kaikohe area, Sister Pointer started not feeling very well... We both had a nasty headache on and off most of the week before – so it wasn't that new... but she just wasn't doing well. Nor was I.
So... Wednesday we got out into our area, tried to make a few visits (none of whom were home), and then just started to feel awful. Sister Bath, our medical mum, was called and she told us to take it easy. Sister Pointer started feeling better around 4 – but alas, I did not.
And before I forget – thank you for the Christmas Packages of HAPPINESS. OH you spoil me! I'm so excited, and I have LOVED with all my heart the things I've gotten to open so far! ...I'm a slacker, however, and didn't take a picture of how I have it all set up... so that will have to be in next week's email :) Ha. But I LOVE the little tree, and the advent calendar, and the "open me on" presents! And the picture of me and the kids! AND DAD'S LITTLE SNOWMAN. I thought it was Leesha that wrapped that present... Hahahaha. SIXTEEN LAYERS of wrapping paper!! Sister Pointer was getting frustrated by it. I was just laughing the whole time ;) :P Daddy-O YOUR SNOWMAN makes me all the happy!!And it really makes me laugh to know that YOU were the one that wrapped it that many times!! Hahahah. And I love your Charlie Brown tree and the lights and all the decorations! I love the feeling of being there!! :)
AND THANK YOU FOR THE MP3 PLAYER! Ohhhh the happiness. And the Sesame Street with MOTAB (thank you Audrey!) just makes me all the happy :)
Thursday I thought I felt better enough to go out. So we did. But... alas, I was wrong again. Which was unfortunate – because we had SO MANY APPOINTMENTS lined up. But then – as the day went on and I started feeling worse... our appointments all cancelled on us, except one. Which was with PEARL. And Elder and Sister Clement's so lovingly took over for us and went to visit and teach her a bit. So that was a blessing. We also dropped by Lydia to say, "Sorry! Can't come by." and even she looked at me saying, "You don't look good. Go home!" Yes, Lydia. I know.
Friday I really did feel better. So - we went out. We finally made a couple of visits. We talked with people on the street – and even cleared up a few doctrinal things with people that had heard things about our church. :) LOVE this work. We were supposed to teach Lucia and the boys Friday night – but alas, they didn't show. Apparently he was sleeping we found out! Haha. He'd been out all night fishing for his brother – so he was exhausted. All good though. We'll get to catch him again soon :)
And then – Saturday hit. And it was a struggle. Starting with Sister Pointer just not being in a good mood – and I'm sure I wasn't the happiest of all either, as ...once again, I was sick. But this time to the point that I literally just couldn't eat and had no desire to because everything I tried just didn't settle well. And I had a weird fever? that kept coming and going... things we didn't understand. (That's kind of how it was Thursday as well.) So I went back to bed. Sister Pointer texted Sister Bath again – and we were to "STAY IN!" And get me some Penadol (ipuprofen) and Powerade. It was a bit of a struggle day though – not only because I was sick, but because my dear companion's constant comments in the day were "I'M SO BORED" and "I'M SO HOT!" ... I'm sorry, dear, that I've completely inconvenienced your entire life by being sick. But it's fine. We figured that out together yesterday and all is well now. The Elders (Shannon and Shumate) and Elder and Sister Clements came over later in the afternoon and I got another blessing. (Can we say more in the last 6 months than in the last 2 years?) ...But getting all these different Priesthood blessings is indeed a blessing – cause I've gained more of a testimony of how truly and really brilliant the Priesthood is in this life, and how spoiled we are to have the knowledge and help we do in such a way!
So... after that, I went back and rested. Saturday was a day of sleep basically. There was a point that I made myself stay up a bit though – or I knew I wouldn't sleep during the night! (Which, as we all know is a struggle anyway.)
And then: Sunday—MIRACLE DAY. I still didn't feel great waking up, but we went to Church and we had HEAPS OF PEOPLE come to the Paihia branch!! We got to meet some new people – and new less actives that found thier own way there! What? #Miracles.
ROZANNE came, Ethan came, Pearl came, and Lucia and the boys came. All the joy!! And then – after Church and branch council (during part of – I was praying pretty much non stop that I wouldn't pass out... 'cause, well, I hadn't eaten in nearly 48 hours...) we went to the Clements' so I could rest again. They made us lunch — and guess what? :) I ATE THINGS! Food is a blessing when you can eat it. I ate cooked carrots and asparagus and some fruit. Everyone was amazed! Haha.
So... All in all, it was a struggle of a week numbers-wise (which was also made very evident that my companion didn't like... I'm just done with the complaining over me being sick). But – I'm GRATEFUL. Grateful for the priesthood, and grateful for the faith that I was able to gain within it.
The mission is hard. And I'm not going to lie to you all — I think my sickness was partially due to stress. I think my body was just done. I do also believe there was some sort of virus stuck in me — but there was definitely stress my body couldn't figure out.
But all is well :) The work will move on, and we have a LOT to do in the next couple days before transfers... in case we are indeed transferred. Ha
The Christmas Devotional sounds SO GOOD. We're still trying to figure out some way to watch it... ie: Watching it with an investigator. So we'll see :)
It's INSANE that Christmas is NEXT WEEK. What? Also: This means I'll be talking to your faces next week!! :) ALL THE HAPPY!! And I'm allowed to talk for 40 minutes!
Hope all is well at home :) I love you all and miss you heaps!! Love you all!
Arohanui,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Such a joyful week. Full of sickness. So...that's grand. :P
Ha. But – for reals, it DID start out in grandeur. Why?
BECAUSE I GOT TO GO TO THE TEMPLE! "And there was much rejoicing and happiness and PEACE in the land."
I honestly don't think I've ever truly realized HOW peaceful, relaxing, and calming the temple is. I mean –I've always known and felt that, but there was something different this time. It was just like – I had no worries for the whole time we were there. There was no stress, no worry,—just relaxing and talking with my Father in Heaven. We were able to do initiatories and an endowment session. And the cool thing about that? I was able to help Sister Christiansen with one of her family names – and I got to do one of them for both initiatory AND endowment. So that was pretty cool. I'm definitely excited to meet her one day. :)
Anyhoo – So, yes. The week began with travel southward Monday night. Tuesday was spent in the temple, then taking pictures, and then back home. On the way back from the temple, there's apparently this tradition of this ice-cream shop we stop at — Pokenos. And it was delicious and wonderful. And exciting :)
And then once we were on our way back from Harbor to Kaikohe area, Sister Pointer started not feeling very well... We both had a nasty headache on and off most of the week before – so it wasn't that new... but she just wasn't doing well. Nor was I.
So... Wednesday we got out into our area, tried to make a few visits (none of whom were home), and then just started to feel awful. Sister Bath, our medical mum, was called and she told us to take it easy. Sister Pointer started feeling better around 4 – but alas, I did not.
And before I forget – thank you for the Christmas Packages of HAPPINESS. OH you spoil me! I'm so excited, and I have LOVED with all my heart the things I've gotten to open so far! ...I'm a slacker, however, and didn't take a picture of how I have it all set up... so that will have to be in next week's email :) Ha. But I LOVE the little tree, and the advent calendar, and the "open me on" presents! And the picture of me and the kids! AND DAD'S LITTLE SNOWMAN. I thought it was Leesha that wrapped that present... Hahahaha. SIXTEEN LAYERS of wrapping paper!! Sister Pointer was getting frustrated by it. I was just laughing the whole time ;) :P Daddy-O YOUR SNOWMAN makes me all the happy!!And it really makes me laugh to know that YOU were the one that wrapped it that many times!! Hahahah. And I love your Charlie Brown tree and the lights and all the decorations! I love the feeling of being there!! :)
AND THANK YOU FOR THE MP3 PLAYER! Ohhhh the happiness. And the Sesame Street with MOTAB (thank you Audrey!) just makes me all the happy :)
Thursday I thought I felt better enough to go out. So we did. But... alas, I was wrong again. Which was unfortunate – because we had SO MANY APPOINTMENTS lined up. But then – as the day went on and I started feeling worse... our appointments all cancelled on us, except one. Which was with PEARL. And Elder and Sister Clement's so lovingly took over for us and went to visit and teach her a bit. So that was a blessing. We also dropped by Lydia to say, "Sorry! Can't come by." and even she looked at me saying, "You don't look good. Go home!" Yes, Lydia. I know.
Friday I really did feel better. So - we went out. We finally made a couple of visits. We talked with people on the street – and even cleared up a few doctrinal things with people that had heard things about our church. :) LOVE this work. We were supposed to teach Lucia and the boys Friday night – but alas, they didn't show. Apparently he was sleeping we found out! Haha. He'd been out all night fishing for his brother – so he was exhausted. All good though. We'll get to catch him again soon :)
And then – Saturday hit. And it was a struggle. Starting with Sister Pointer just not being in a good mood – and I'm sure I wasn't the happiest of all either, as ...once again, I was sick. But this time to the point that I literally just couldn't eat and had no desire to because everything I tried just didn't settle well. And I had a weird fever? that kept coming and going... things we didn't understand. (That's kind of how it was Thursday as well.) So I went back to bed. Sister Pointer texted Sister Bath again – and we were to "STAY IN!" And get me some Penadol (ipuprofen) and Powerade. It was a bit of a struggle day though – not only because I was sick, but because my dear companion's constant comments in the day were "I'M SO BORED" and "I'M SO HOT!" ... I'm sorry, dear, that I've completely inconvenienced your entire life by being sick. But it's fine. We figured that out together yesterday and all is well now. The Elders (Shannon and Shumate) and Elder and Sister Clements came over later in the afternoon and I got another blessing. (Can we say more in the last 6 months than in the last 2 years?) ...But getting all these different Priesthood blessings is indeed a blessing – cause I've gained more of a testimony of how truly and really brilliant the Priesthood is in this life, and how spoiled we are to have the knowledge and help we do in such a way!
So... after that, I went back and rested. Saturday was a day of sleep basically. There was a point that I made myself stay up a bit though – or I knew I wouldn't sleep during the night! (Which, as we all know is a struggle anyway.)
And then: Sunday—MIRACLE DAY. I still didn't feel great waking up, but we went to Church and we had HEAPS OF PEOPLE come to the Paihia branch!! We got to meet some new people – and new less actives that found thier own way there! What? #Miracles.
ROZANNE came, Ethan came, Pearl came, and Lucia and the boys came. All the joy!! And then – after Church and branch council (during part of – I was praying pretty much non stop that I wouldn't pass out... 'cause, well, I hadn't eaten in nearly 48 hours...) we went to the Clements' so I could rest again. They made us lunch — and guess what? :) I ATE THINGS! Food is a blessing when you can eat it. I ate cooked carrots and asparagus and some fruit. Everyone was amazed! Haha.
So... All in all, it was a struggle of a week numbers-wise (which was also made very evident that my companion didn't like... I'm just done with the complaining over me being sick). But – I'm GRATEFUL. Grateful for the priesthood, and grateful for the faith that I was able to gain within it.
The mission is hard. And I'm not going to lie to you all — I think my sickness was partially due to stress. I think my body was just done. I do also believe there was some sort of virus stuck in me — but there was definitely stress my body couldn't figure out.
But all is well :) The work will move on, and we have a LOT to do in the next couple days before transfers... in case we are indeed transferred. Ha
The Christmas Devotional sounds SO GOOD. We're still trying to figure out some way to watch it... ie: Watching it with an investigator. So we'll see :)
It's INSANE that Christmas is NEXT WEEK. What? Also: This means I'll be talking to your faces next week!! :) ALL THE HAPPY!! And I'm allowed to talk for 40 minutes!
Hope all is well at home :) I love you all and miss you heaps!! Love you all!
Arohanui,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
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| New Zealand Christmas Tree |
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